Salon garment configuration for better neck access

ABSTRACT

Methods and systems are presented to protect clothing of a wearer using a first collar structure and draping structure that are separately adjustable and releasable. In some variants the draping structure may include magnetic or other positioning elements to accommodate wearers of various sizes. Likewise the collar structure may include magnetic or other positioning elements that are indirectly and effectively supported by the still-closed draping structure while undergoing a transition through a range of unstable positions thereof between stable open and closed positions thereof. This allows a stylist to uncover and re-cover the wearer&#39;s neck much more frequently and quickly, for example, during a hair dye or style treatment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a garment system depiction that may implement one ormore embodiments, presented in a closed position on a wearer.

FIG. 2 illustrates another garment system depiction that may implementone or more embodiments in which a collar structure is depicted in amechanically stable closed position.

FIG. 3 illustrates another garment system depiction that may implementone or more embodiments in which a collar structure is depicted in anopen position.

FIG. 4 illustrates another garment system depiction that may implementone or more embodiments in which a collar structure is depicted in anopen position.

FIG. 5 illustrates another garment system depiction that may implementone or more embodiments in which a collar structure is depicted in acoiled position.

FIG. 6 illustrates another garment system depiction that may implementone or more embodiments in which a collar structure is depicted in amechanically stable closed position.

FIG. 7 illustrates another garment system depiction that may implementone or more embodiments in which a collar structure is depicted in amechanically stable open position.

FIG. 8 illustrates another garment system depiction that may implementone or more embodiments in which a collar structure is depicted in amechanically stable open position.

FIG. 9 illustrates another garment system depiction that may implementone or more embodiments in which a collar structure is depicted in amechanically stable open position.

FIG. 10 illustrates an operational flow that may implement one or moreembodiments.

DESCRIPTION

The phrases “in one embodiment,” “in various embodiments,” “in someembodiments,” and the like are used repeatedly. Such phrases do notnecessarily refer to the same embodiment. The terms “comprising,”“having,” and “including” are synonymous, unless the context dictatesotherwise.

“Alternatively,” “adjacent,” “adjusted,” “allowed,” “both,” “before,”“bistable,” “central,” “closed,” “comprising,” “configurable,”“covered,” “curled,” “distal,” “draped,” “during,” “elastic,”“elongate,” “end,” “engaging,” “extending,” “flexible,” “folded,”“fourth,” “guiding,” “hard,” “incorporated,” “interstitial,” “inward,”“longer,” “magnetic,” “mechanical,” “moved,” “open,” “outward,” “over,”“overlapping,” “performed,” “projecting,” “protective,” “quickly,”“remaining,” “retracted,” “revealed,” “separate,” “stable,” “stable,”“styling,” “through,” “under,” “wearable,” “wearing,” “while,” “within,”“without,” “wrapped,” or other such descriptors herein are used in theirnormal yes-or-no sense, not merely as terms of degree, unless contextdictates otherwise. In light of the present disclosure those skilled inthe art will understand from context what is meant by “long,” “wide,”and by other such positional descriptors used herein.

Reference is now made in detail to the description of the embodiments asillustrated in the drawings. While embodiments are described inconnection with the drawings and related descriptions, there is nointent to limit the scope to the embodiments disclosed herein. On thecontrary, the intent is to cover all alternatives, modifications andequivalents. In alternate embodiments, additional devices, orcombinations of illustrated devices, may be added to, or combined,without limiting the scope to the embodiments disclosed herein.

FIG. 1 depicts a garment system 100 configured to cover the body of awearer 110 during a hair coloring or other styling procedure. Garmentsystem 100 includes a fastenerless collar more than 0.5″ tall, less than0.5″ thick, and 20 to 25″ long. As shown in a mechanically stable closedposition, collar structure 130 may (optionally) provide one or morecircumferential adjustment features as described below (with referenceto one or more of FIGS. 2-9) is sufficiently conforming and continuouslyadjustable so that a gap between the structure and the neck can bemaintained at less than 5 millimeters even with anatomicalirregularities (an Adam's apple, e.g.). As shown in FIG. 1, collarstructure 130 is also affixed along most or all of its lower edge withone or more waterproof sheets 140 configured to prevent dye, haircuttings, or other materials from coming into contact with (clothing on)the wearer's body. Although collar structure 130 has one or morecircumferential adjustment features allowing it to conform to thewearer's neck 103, it is “fastenerless” insofar that no hooks, snaps,buttons, or other such mechanical couplers are used to hold it in place.Instead, first and second end portions of collar structure 130 mayinclude flux-guiding elements as shown in FIG. 2. Alternatively oradditionally, collar structure 130 may be configured as a spring so thata stylist stretches it open to put it on and the spring deformationcauses the collar structure 130 to gently bear against the wearer's neck103 when released so as to hold it fastenerlessly in place during astyling operation (coloring or blowing, e.g.). In some variants, acooling element (affixed to sheet 140 or a salon chair 180, e.g.) ismaintained against the wearer's body during such operations. In somevariants, moreover, the one or more sheets 140 may be held closed byconventional fasteners or magnetic elements during use.

FIG. 2 depicts a garment system 200 that optionally implements thegarment system 100 of FIG. 1 (incorporating one or more of the featuresdepicted therein). Collar structure 230 thereof includes a centralportion (described below) from which two or more distally projectingelements (e.g. overlays 221A or underlays 221B) extend at opposite endsthereof. Each distally projecting element is configured to be adjustedmanually generally as described below. This allows structure 230 toaccommodate a smaller wearer or a larger wearer. Some or all of a loweredge of the central portion is directly or otherwise affixed to adraping structure 240 that tapers outward to form one or more layeredcapes as shown, separately attachable and adjustable to accommodatedifferent wearers. Draping structure 240 includes at least a drapingoverlay 251 having an element 288 (comprising a reference point thereon,e.g.) and a draping underlay 252 configured to allow the overlay element288 to be moved generally laterally adjacent a range of positions alongthe underlay 252 so as to allow the draping structure 240 to be adjustedmanually between a most retracted draping structure configuration (e.g.for small child) and a most extended draping structure configuration(e.g. by adjusting a strap assembly 242 affixed to the overlay 251 witha clip 241). In some variants, collar structure 230 may include one ormore diagonal hinges or other directional-bend-guiding features 228 thateffectively facilitate an inward, outward, or other specific desiredbending of the one or more collar overlays 221A or underlays 221B (orboth). In some variants, for example, one or more distally projectingelements of collar structure 230 may be configured to transition from amechanically stable elongate shape (a longer shape as shown in FIG. 2)through a range of mechanically unstable interstitial states to amechanically stable curled retracted shape (a shorter shape asexemplified in FIG. 3) or to other mechanically stable shapes in whichmore of the wearer's neck 103 becomes revealed.

FIG. 3 depicts a garment system 300 that optionally implements one ormore features or designs as described above (incorporating one or moreof the features depicted in FIGS. 1-2). A collar structure 330 thereof(optionally configured as a variant of a collar structure describedabove, e.g.) includes a central portion 325 from which distallyprojecting elements (e.g. overlays 321A or underlays 321B) extend atopposite ends thereof. Each distally projecting element is configured tobe adjusted manually generally as described below, allowing the collarstructure to accommodate a smaller wearer or a larger wearer (i.e.closely enough that there is no chafing on the neck or gaps throughwhich the wearer's clothing may be affected). Some or all of a loweredge 327 of the central portion 325 is directly or otherwise affixed toa draping structure 340 so that a stylist or other worker 301 can moreeasily manipulate the system 300 to protect and selectively exposeportions of a neck 103 of the wearer 110. A ferromagnetic or othermagnetic-flux-guiding element 337A may be in or on an endmost portion(less than 4 centimeters of the end) of overlays 321A or underlays 321B(or both) to reinforce/permit a stable open position or closed position(or both) such as by engaging penultimate portions 332 (adjacent acorresponding endmost portion) of the collar structure of which they area part, as further described below. Some variants, overlay 321A orunderlay 321B (or both) may include other positioning features such assegments of flexible bistable spring band. In some variants, collarstructure 330 may include one or more diagonal hinges or otherdirectional-bend-guiding features that effectively facilitate an inward,outward, or other specific desired bending of the one or more collaroverlays 321A or underlays 321B (or both). In some variants, forexample, one or more distally projecting elements of collar structure330 may be configured to transition from a mechanically stable elongateshape (as shown in FIG. 3) through a range of mechanically unstableinterstitial shapes to a mechanically stable curled retracted shape (asexemplified in FIG. 3) or to other mechanically stable shapes in whichmore of the wearer's neck 103 becomes revealed.

FIG. 4 depicts a garment system 400 that optionally implements one ormore features or designs as described above (incorporating one or moreof the features depicted in FIGS. 1-3). Collar structure 430 thereofincludes a central portion 425 from which first and second distallyprojecting elements 421A-B extend at opposite ends thereof. An entiretyof a lower edge 427 of central portion 425 is affixed with one or morewaterproof sheets 440 that taper outward to form a cape as shown. Eachdistally projecting element 421 includes an elongate flux-guidingelement 422A-B extending along the collar structure, one or both ofwhich is a magnet so that when the collar structure 430 is positionedaround a wearer's neck 103 distally projecting elements 421A-B arepositioned to overlap and engage one another magnetically.

FIG. 5 depicts a garment system 500 that optionally implements one ormore features or designs as described above (incorporating one or moreof the features depicted in FIGS. 1-4). In a variant in which collarstructure 530 implements a flexible bistable spring band (like a snapbracelet, e.g.), for example, collar structure 530 may be configured totransition easily between a coiled stable state (like that of FIG. 5)and an extended stable state (like that shown in FIG. 2) and back. Sucha bistable spring band may be made of stainless steel, for example, or asimilar semi-rigid material. In some variants, for example, such astructure may include a metallic core sealed within a waterproof cover(of a silicone or plastic, e.g.). In some variants, moreover, aninterior (wearer-facing) surface of collar structure 530 may include athin cushion layer 523 (an open- or closed-cell sponge layer less than⅛″ thick, e.g.). Alternatively or additionally, (some or all of) anexterior surface of collar structure 530 may include a hard outer worksurface 524 (optionally made of acrylic or a similarly hard polymer,higher than 5 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness, e.g.). In some variants,for example, a smooth hard outer work surface 524 may cover most or allof the outer surface (of at least the distally projecting elements 521,e.g.) so as to allow a stylist to cut hair overlaying the work surface524 (between a straight razor blade and the work surface, e.g.).

FIG. 6 depicts a garment system 600 that optionally implements one ormore features or designs as described above (incorporating one or moreof the features depicted in FIGS. 1-5). Collar structure 630 maycomprise a central portion 625 shorter than 20″, for example, and adistally projecting element 621 at each end that is longer than an inch.In some variants collar structure 630 may be configured to fit thewearer 110 loosely enough to allow garment system 600 to be rotated 360degrees. But in some contexts it may be preferable that the collarstructure 630 be slightly tighter so as to make direct and continuouscontact about an entire circumference of the wearer's neck 103. Toaccommodate such structure, the one or more protective flaccid sheets640 may (optionally) include fasteners or other modes of engagement sothat the collar structure 630 can open selectively without opening theone or more protective flaccid sheets 640. For example a flux-guidingelement 641 affixed near an edge of a flap 651 of the sheet(s) 640 maybe constructed and arranged to attract and hold a correspondingoverlapped flux-guiding element 642 affixed at an underlying portion 652(by virtue of one or both being a magnet, e.g.) of the sheet(s) 640 tomaintain same in a closed configuration irrespective of the collarstructure 630 that supports them.

FIG. 7 depicts a garment system 700 that optionally implements one ormore features or designs as described above (incorporating one or moreof the features depicted in FIGS. 1-6), in which a draping structurecomprising one or more sheets 740 or other layers are releasably held(e.g. by one or more magnets or hook-and-loop elements on respectiveportions). Collar structure 730 may comprise a central portion 325, 425,625 as described above, for example, and distally projecting element721A-B at each end. In a variant in which collar structure 730 has a“closed” position (like that of FIG. 4, e.g.) that engages the wearer'sneck 103 too tightly to allow garment system 700 to be rotated, forexample, collar structure 730 also has a quickly-configurable “open”position. In some variants, for example, an opening 729 in the collarstructure can be longer than 1″ as shown. This can be implemented, forexample, in a context in which distally projecting element 721A-B thecollar structure 730 has been configured to fold or curl inward (towardthe wearer's neck 103 as shown) without damage. Alternatively one orboth distally projecting elements 721A-B the collar structure 730 may beconfigured to fold or curl outward or downward into a stableconfiguration without damage in respective embodiments. In any case thecurled or folded ends of the distally projecting elements 721A-B willnot interfere with the closure of the assembled one or more sheets 740(in which a flap 751 is separately fastened to an underlying portion 752generally as described above, e.g.).

This can occur, for example, in a context in which the collar structure730 is fastenerless such that a neck 130 of the wearer 110 is morecovered by the collar structure 730 when the collar structure 730 is ina mechanically stable closed position thereof (e.g. like that of FIGS. 2and 6) with no mechanical couplers other than one or more magneticelements configured to maintain the mechanically stable closed positionbut when the collar structure 730 is in a mechanically stable openposition thereof (as shown) at least the collar overlay 221A, 321A, isseparated from the collar underlay 221B, 321B such that the neck 130 ofthe wearer 110 is less covered and in which a worker 301 would otherwisehave difficulty ensuring that all of the hair on the neck 103 couldundergo a chemical treatment (a perm or dye treatment, e.g.).

FIG. 8 depicts a garment system 800 that optionally implements one ormore features or designs as described above (incorporating one or moreof the features depicted in FIGS. 1-7). For example a collar structure130, 230, 330, 430, 630, 730 may comprise a central portion 325, 425,625 as described above, for example, and include one or more distallyprojecting element collar overlays 221A, 321A, 821A and one or morecollar underlays 221B, 321B, 821B. Such collar structure elements mayinclude or otherwise support one or more releasable fasteners or otherpositioning elements (slots, e.g.) configured to allow a collar overlayelement of the collar overlay to engage a collar underlay element at anyposition along a range (e.g. by sliding along each other) so as to allowthe collar structure to be adjusted manually between a most retractedconfiguration and a most extended configuration. See FIG. 9.

As shown garment system 800 also includes one or more draping structures240, 340 such as draping overlays 251, 851; draping underlays 252, 852;or interleaved elements that are both at once. An underlying portion252, 652, 752 or other draping underlay 252, 852 may (optionally) beconfigured to allow an overlay element (within or otherwise coupled todraping overlay 251, 851) to be moved adjacent a range of engagement orother reference positions along the draping underlay so as to allow thedraping structure to be adjusted manually between a most retracteddraping structure configuration (to accommodate a small wearer) and amost extended draping structure configuration (e.g. to accommodate alarger wearer) by magnetically or otherwise engaging the draping overlayelement with respective reference positions of the draping underlay.

FIG. 9 depicts a garment system 900 that optionally implements one ormore features or designs as described above (incorporating one or moreof the features depicted in FIGS. 1-8). As shown a collar structurethereof includes at least one collar overlay 921A having a collaroverlay element 922A and at least one collar underlay 921B configured toallow the collar overlay element of the collar overlay to be moved(between respective engagement positions) along a range 977 of referencepositions 971-972 along the collar underlay so as to allow the collarstructure to be adjusted manually between a most retracted collarstructure configuration and a most extended collar structureconfiguration.

As shown garment system 900 also includes one or more draping structures940 such as draping overlays 951 having one or more adjustable drapingoverlay elements matchable adjacent various positions of drapingunderlays 952 (using hook-and-loop, magnetic, or other elongate stripsat least somewhat aligned (i.e. within 30 degrees) with a steepestdirection of draping structure size adjustment and longer than 5 cm. Forexample this may allow the draping overlay element of the drapingoverlay 951 to be moved adjacent a range 987 of numerous referencepositions 981-982 along the draping underlay 952 so as to allow thedraping structure to be adjusted manually between a most retracteddraping structure configuration (e.g. at position 981 to accommodate asmall wearer) and a most extended draping structure configuration (e.g.at position 982 to accommodate a larger wearer) by engaging the drapingoverlay element with at least two respective (engagement or other)reference positions 981-982 of the draping underlay 252, 852, 952.

FIG. 10 depicts an operational flow 1000 that may be used in conjunctionwith some variants of garment systems such as those described above(incorporating one or more of the features depicted in FIGS. 1-9).Operation 1010 thereof describes beginning a hair coloring or otherstyling procedure. Operation 1025 describes configuring the garmentsystem to cover a wearer's body. Operation 1040 describes engaging acollar of the garment system around the wearer's neck; wherein (atleast) a central portion of the collar supports a side of the protectivesheet and wherein the collar is wrapped around the wearer's neck whilethe protective sheet remains draped over the wearer's body. Operation1050 describes opening the collar of the garment system so that thecollar releases the wearer's neck while maintaining the protective sheetin a closed position (with fasteners or other closure elements ofrespective portions thereof in engagement with each other, e.g.).

Operation 1060 describes revealing a portion of the wearer's neckrotating the garment system about the wearer while maintaining theprotective sheet in the mechanically stable closed position and whilemaintaining the collar in the open position. Operation 1070 describesperforming a styling operation upon the revealed portion of the wearer'sneck (using distal projecting elements at opposite ends of the centralportion of the collar as alignment structures for a comb, e.g.).Operation 1080 describes closing the collar of the garment system sothat the collar engages the wearer's neck again. Operation 1090describes completing the hair coloring or other styling procedure.

With this or other operational flows (omitting one or more of thedepicted operations or varying the sequence, e.g.), disclosed herein isa garment system 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 comprising a collar(implementing features of one or more collar structures described above,e.g.) having a central portion extending between first and second distalprojecting elements at opposite ends of the central portion. The firstand second distal projecting elements provide an inner surfaceconfigured to conform with the wearer's neck and a hard outer worksurface (optionally made of a common acrylic or other polymer or higherthan 3 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness, e.g.). The garment system alsoincludes one or more protective flaccid sheets (waterproof fabric, e.g.)configured to drape over the wearer's body and be fastened along thecentral portion of the collar but not along the first and second distalprojecting elements of the collar. In some variants the collar maycomprise one or more bistable elements or one or more magnetic elementsconfigured to implement some or all of the above-described features.

In light of teachings herein, numerous existing techniques may beapplied for configuring or using mechanical elements with suitableproperties or actions as described herein without undue experimentation.See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 9,629,440 (“Sleeved styling cape”); U.S. Pat.No. 8,667,614 (“Hairstylist cape device”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,549,664(“Warming salon cape”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,418,264 (“Protective cape”);U.S. Pat. No. 8,413,263 (“Cape having an expandable transparentcompartment”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,353,064 (“Salon cape with adjustablemagnetic channel closure”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,996,918 (“Haircutting capewith front closure”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,788,735 (“Under cape protector”);U.S. Pat. No. 7,661,149 (“Personal care cape”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,506,383(“Neck and clothing protector and method of using same”); U.S. Pat. No.7,065,791 (“Apparatus for a salon cape water guard”); U.S. Pat. No.6,412,116 (“Article with magnetic collar closure”); U.S. Pat. No.6,094,744 (“Protective covering for clothing”); U.S. Pat. No. 5,289,597(“Method and apparatus for hair treatment”); U.S. Pat. No. 5,230,100(“Collar, choker, or neck band”); U.S. Pat. No. 5,079,777 (“Top coveraccessory to be worn about the neck during hair dressing”); U.S. Pat.No. 4,709,420 (“Shampoo cape with splash guard”); U.S. Pat. No.4,646,364 (“Packaged disposable chemical capes”); U.S. Pat. No.4,133,052 (“Protective arrangement for beauty salon patron”); U.S. Pat.No. 4,025,961 (“Cape for dealing with the hair”); U.S. Pub No.20170258209 (“Cape with detachable or concealable sleeves”); U.S. PubNo. 20170172286 (“Hairdressing cape”); U.S. Pub No. 20170007007(“Hairdressing cape and fastening”); U.S. Pub No. 20150374102 (“2 in 1salon cape having clear viewing windows”); U.S. Pub No. 20100100996(“Protective cape for salon clients”); U.S. Pub No. 20080092264(“Combination wetness prevention cape/neck guard”).

With respect to the numbered clauses and claims expressed below, thoseskilled in the art will appreciate that recited operations therein maygenerally be performed in any order. Also, although various operationalflows are presented in a sequence(s), it should be understood that thevarious operations may be performed in other orders than those which areillustrated or may be performed concurrently. Examples of such alternateorderings may include overlapping, interleaved, interrupted, reordered,incremental, preparatory, supplemental, simultaneous, reverse, or othervariant orderings, unless context dictates otherwise. Furthermore, termslike “responsive to,” “related to,” or other past-tense adjectives aregenerally not intended to exclude such variants, unless context dictatesotherwise. Also in the numbered clauses below, specific combinations ofaspects and embodiments are articulated in a shorthand form such that(1) according to respective embodiments, for each instance in which a“component” or other such identifiers appear to be introduced (with “a”or “an,” e.g.) more than once in a given chain of clauses, suchdesignations may either identify the same entity or distinct entities;and (2) what might be called “dependent” clauses below may or may notincorporate, in respective embodiments, the features of “independent”clauses to which they refer or other features described above.

CLAUSES

-   -   1. (Independent) A wearable system configured to protect        clothing of a wearer 110 generally as depicted in one or more of        FIGS. 1-9, comprising:    -   a first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430, 630, 730 that        includes a first (distally projecting element 421A or other)        collar overlay 221A, 321A, 821A, 921A having a first collar        overlay element 222A, 322A, 822A, 922A (comprising a        flux-guiding element 422A-B, e.g.) and a first collar underlay        221B, 321B, 821B, 921B configured to allow the first collar        overlay element of the first collar overlay to be moved along a        range 977 of (engagement or other) reference positions 971-972        along the first collar underlay so as to allow the first collar        structure to be adjusted manually between a most retracted        collar structure configuration and a most extended collar        structure configuration by engaging the first collar overlay        element with at least two respective reference positions 971-972        of the first collar underlay 221B, 321B, 821B, 921B; wherein        said first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430, 630, 730        includes a central portion 325, 425, 625 (directly or indirectly        affixed or otherwise) coupled to both the first collar overlay        221A, 321A, 821A, 921A and the first collar underlay; and    -   a first draping structure 340, 940 that includes a first draping        overlay 251, 851, 951 having a first draping overlay element        (comprising a covering or a contact position thereon, e.g.) and        a first draping underlay 252, 852, 952 (e.g. underlying portion        652, 752) configured to allow the first draping overlay element        of the first draping overlay 251, 851, 951 to be moved adjacent        a range 987 of (engagement or other) reference positions 981-982        along the first draping underlay 252, 852, 952 so as to allow        the first draping structure to be adjusted manually between a        most retracted draping structure configuration (e.g. at position        981) and a most extended draping structure configuration (e.g.        at position 982) by engaging the first draping overlay element        with at least two respective (engagement or other) reference        positions 981-982 of the first draping underlay 252, 852, 952;        and wherein said central portion 325, 425, 625 affixed to both        the first collar overlay 221A, 321A, 821A, 921A and the first        collar underlay is also affixed to said first draping structure        340, 940.    -   2. The system of any of the above SYSTEM CLAUSES; wherein the        first collar structure includes one or more bistable spring        bands extending from the central portion toward an endmost tip        of the overlay element comprising a cross curve torsion spring.    -   3. The system of any of the above SYSTEM CLAUSES; wherein the        first collar structure includes one or more bistable spring        bands extending from the central portion toward an endmost tip        of the overlay element comprising stainless steel having a        nominal thickness greater than 0.005 inches.    -   4. The system of any of the above SYSTEM CLAUSES; wherein the        first collar structure includes one or more bistable spring        bands extending from the central portion toward an endmost tip        of the overlay element comprising stainless steel having a        nominal thickness less than 0.010 inches.    -   5. The system of any of SYSTEM CLAUSES 2-4; wherein more than        half of a surface area of a first one of the one or more        bistable spring bands extending from the central portion toward        the endmost tip of the overlay element is coated with an        elastomeric coating.    -   6. The system of any of SYSTEM CLAUSES 2-4; wherein more than        half of a surface area of a first one of the one or more        bistable spring bands extending from the central portion toward        the endmost tip of the overlay element is coated with urethane.    -   7. The system of any of SYSTEM CLAUSES 2-4; wherein more than        half of a surface area of a first one of the one or more        bistable spring bands extending from the central portion toward        the endmost tip of the overlay element is coated with a die cast        coating.    -   8. The system of any of the above SYSTEM CLAUSES; wherein the        first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430, 630, 730 can be        maintained in a mechanically stable closed position (e.g. like        that of FIGS. 2 and 6) using one or more magnetic elements 937        configured to maintain the mechanically stable closed position.    -   9. The system of any of the above SYSTEM CLAUSES; wherein the        first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430, 630, 730 can be        maintained in a mechanically stable closed position using one or        more magnetic-flux-guiding elements 937 configured to maintain        the mechanically stable closed position and wherein at least a        first element 937A of the one or more magnetic-flux-guiding        elements magnetically couples with at least a first element 936B        of the one or more flux-guiding elements 936B to maintain the        mechanically stable closed position.    -   10. The system of any of the above SYSTEM CLAUSES; wherein the        first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430, 630, 730 can be        maintained in a mechanically stable closed position using one or        more magnetic-flux-guiding elements 937 configured to maintain        the mechanically stable closed position; wherein at least a        first element 937A of the one or more magnetic-flux-guiding        elements is configured to couple magnetically with at least a        first element 936B of the one or more flux-guiding elements 936B        to maintain the mechanically stable closed position; wherein at        least a third element 937B of the one or more        magnetic-flux-guiding elements is configured to couple        magnetically with at least a fourth element 936A of the one or        more flux-guiding elements 936B to maintain the mechanically        stable closed position; and wherein the first and third elements        937 are on respective opposite end-most portions 931 of the        first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430.    -   11. The system of any of the above SYSTEM CLAUSES; wherein the        first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430, 630, 730 can be        maintained in a mechanically stable closed position using one or        more magnetic-flux-guiding elements 937 configured to maintain        the mechanically stable closed position; wherein at least a        first element 937A of the one or more magnetic-flux-guiding        elements is configured to couple magnetically with at least a        first element 936B of the one or more flux-guiding elements 936B        to maintain the mechanically stable closed position; wherein at        least a third element 937B of the one or more        magnetic-flux-guiding elements is configured to couple        magnetically with at least a fourth element 936A of the one or        more flux-guiding elements 936B to maintain the mechanically        stable closed position; wherein the first and third elements 937        are on respective opposite end-most portions 931 of the first        collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430; and wherein the first and        third elements 937A-B are both magnets.    -   12. The system of any of the above SYSTEM CLAUSES; wherein the        first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430, 630, 730 can be        maintained in a mechanically stable closed position using one or        more magnetic-flux-guiding elements 937 configured to maintain        the mechanically stable closed position; wherein at least a        first element 937A of the one or more magnetic-flux-guiding        elements is configured to couple magnetically with at least a        first element 936B of the one or more flux-guiding elements 936B        to maintain the mechanically stable closed position; wherein at        least a third element 937B of the one or more        magnetic-flux-guiding elements is configured to couple        magnetically with at least a fourth element 936A of the one or        more flux-guiding elements 936B to maintain the mechanically        stable closed position; wherein the first and third elements 937        are on respective opposite end-most portions 931 of the first        collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430; wherein the second and        fourth elements 936A-B are both magnets; wherein the first        collar underlay 221B, 321B, 821B, 921B comprises both the second        element 936B and third element 937B longitudinally separated by        at least 1 cm of non-magnetic material (e.g. vinyl or a similar        material that nominally has no influence on magnetic flux); and        wherein the first collar overlay 221A, 321A, 821A, 921A        comprises both the first element 937A and fourth element 936A        longitudinally separated by at least 1 cm of non-magnetic        material.    -   13. The system of any of the above SYSTEM CLAUSES; wherein the        first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430, 630, 730 can be        maintained in a mechanically stable closed position using one or        more magnetic-flux-guiding elements 937 permanently magnetized        and polarized so as to maintain the mechanically stable closed        position (releasably and) without any fasteners; wherein at        least a first element 937A of the one or more        magnetic-flux-guiding elements is configured to couple        magnetically with at least a first element 936B of the one or        more flux-guiding elements 936B permanently magnetized and        polarized so as to maintain the mechanically stable closed        position (releasably and) without any fasteners; wherein at        least a third element 937B of the one or more        magnetic-flux-guiding elements is configured to couple        magnetically with at least a fourth element 936A of the one or        more flux-guiding elements 936B to maintain the mechanically        stable closed position; wherein the first and third elements        937A-B are magnets on respective opposite end-most portions 931        of the first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430; and wherein        the second and fourth elements 936A-B are both magnets polarized        (not to repel and thereby) to maintain the mechanically stable        closed position.    -   14. The system of any of the above SYSTEM CLAUSES; wherein the        first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430, 630, 730 can be        maintained in a mechanically stable closed position using one or        more magnetic-flux-guiding elements 937 configured to maintain        the mechanically stable closed position; wherein at least a        first element 937A of the one or more magnetic-flux-guiding        elements magnetically couples with at least a first element 936B        of the one or more flux-guiding elements 936B to maintain the        mechanically stable closed position, and wherein the first        element 937A disengages from at least the first element 936B and        instead engages a second element 936A when undergoing a manual        transitioning from the mechanically stable closed position to a        mechanically stable open position (e.g. like that of FIG. 8).    -   15. The system of any of the above SYSTEM CLAUSES; wherein the        first draping overlay element is configured to remain engaged        with the draping underlay during a first transition that        includes the collar structure moving between a first engaged        position in which the first collar overlay element is in contact        with the collar underlay and a first retracted position in which        the first collar overlay element reveals a portion of the        wearer's neck 103 by creating a lateral gap wider than 3        centimeters between the first collar overlay element and (a        closest point of) the collar underlay.    -   16. The system of any of the above SYSTEM CLAUSES; wherein the        first draping overlay element is configured to remain engaged        with the draping underlay during a first transition that        includes the collar structure moving between a first engaged        position in which the first collar overlay element is in contact        with the collar underlay and a first retracted position in which        the first collar overlay element comes into contact with itself        and thereby reveals a portion of the wearer's neck 103 by        creating a lateral gap wider than 3 centimeters between the        first collar overlay element and the collar underlay.    -   17. The system of any of the above SYSTEM CLAUSES; wherein the        first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430, 630, 730 is        fastenerless such that a neck 130 of the wearer 110 is more        covered by the first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430, 630,        730 when the first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430, 630, 730        is in a mechanically stable closed position thereof (e.g. like        that of FIGS. 2 and 6) with no mechanical couplers other than        one or more magnetic elements configured to maintain the        mechanically stable closed position but when the first collar        structure 130, 230, 330, 430, 630, 730 is in a mechanically        stable open position thereof (e.g. like that of FIGS. 7-9) at        least the first collar overlay 221A, 321A, 821A, 921A is        separated from the first collar underlay 221B, 321B, 821B, 921B        such that the neck 130 of the wearer 110 is less covered;        wherein one or more weighted elements 937 (i.e. having enough        mass that an end-most portion 931 thereof has a mass greater        than 5 grams) of the first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430,        630, 730 maintain the mechanically stable open position by        gravity.    -   18. The system of any of the above SYSTEM CLAUSES; wherein the        first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430, 630, 730 is        fastenerless such that a neck 130 of the wearer 110 is more        covered by the first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430, 630,        730 when the first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430, 630, 730        is in a mechanically stable closed position thereof with no        mechanical couplers other than one or more magnetic elements        configured to maintain the mechanically stable closed position        but when the first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430, 630, 730        is in a mechanically stable open position thereof at least the        first collar overlay 221A, 321A, 821A, 921A is separated from        the first collar underlay 221B, 321B, 821B, 921B such that the        neck 130 of the wearer 110 is less covered; wherein one or more        flux guiding elements 937 of the first collar structure 130,        230, 330, 430, 630, 730 maintain the mechanically stable open        position by magnetism.    -   19. The system of any of the above SYSTEM CLAUSES; wherein the        first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430, 630, 730 is        fastenerless such that a neck 130 of the wearer 110 is more        covered by the first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430, 630,        730 when the first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430, 630, 730        is in a mechanically stable closed position thereof with no        mechanical couplers other than one or more magnetic elements        configured to maintain the mechanically stable closed position        but when the first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430, 630, 730        is in a mechanically stable open position thereof at least the        first collar overlay 221A, 321A, 821A, 921A is separated from        the first collar underlay 221B, 321B, 821B, 921B such that the        neck 130 of the wearer 110 is less covered; wherein one or more        magnetic elements 937 of the first collar structure 130, 230,        330, 430, 630, 730 maintain the mechanically stable open        position by magnetism.    -   20. The system of any of the above SYSTEM CLAUSES; wherein the        first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430, 630, 730 is        fastenerless such that a neck 130 of the wearer 110 is more        covered by the first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430, 630,        730 when the first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430, 630, 730        is in a mechanically stable closed position thereof with no        mechanical couplers other than one or more magnetic elements        configured to maintain the mechanically stable closed position        but when the first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430, 630, 730        is in a mechanically stable open position thereof at least the        first collar overlay 221A, 321A, 821A, 921A is separated from        the first collar underlay 221B, 321B, 821B, 921B such that the        neck 130 of the wearer 110 is less covered; wherein one or more        weighted magnetic elements 937 of the first collar structure        130, 230, 330, 430, 630, 730 maintain the mechanically stable        open position by magnetism.    -   21. The system of any of the above SYSTEM CLAUSES; wherein the        first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430, 630, 730 is        fastenerless such that a neck 130 of the wearer 110 can be at        least slightly more covered (i.e. by a difference of more than        1%) by the first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430, 630, 730        when the first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430, 630, 730 is        in a mechanically stable closed position thereof with no        mechanical couplers other than one or more magnetic elements        configured to maintain the mechanically stable closed position        but when the first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430, 630, 730        is in a mechanically stable open position thereof at least the        first collar overlay 221A, 321A, 821A, 921A is separated from        the first collar underlay 221B, 321B, 821B, 921B such that the        neck 130 of the wearer 110 is less covered.    -   22. The system of any of the above SYSTEM CLAUSES; wherein the        first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430, 630, 730 is        fastenerless such that a neck 130 of the wearer 110 can be at        least slightly more covered (i.e. by a difference of more than        1%) by the first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430, 630, 730        when the first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430, 630, 730 is        in a mechanically stable closed position thereof (e.g. like that        of FIGS. 2 and 6) with no mechanical couplers other than two or        more magnetic elements configured to maintain the mechanically        stable closed position but when the first collar structure 130,        230, 330, 430, 630, 730 is in a mechanically stable open        position thereof (e.g. like that of FIGS. 7-9) at least the        first collar overlay 221A, 321A, 821A, 921A is separated from        the first collar underlay 221B, 321B, 821B, 921B by more than 3        cm such that the neck 130 of the wearer 110 is less covered.    -   23. The system of any of the above SYSTEM CLAUSES; wherein the        first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430, 630, 730 is        fastenerless such that a neck 130 of the wearer 110 can be        substantially more covered (i.e. by a difference of more than        5%) by the first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430, 630, 730        when the first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430, 630, 730 is        in a mechanically stable closed position thereof with no        mechanical couplers other than two or more magnetic elements        configured to maintain the mechanically stable closed position        but when the first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430, 630, 730        is in a mechanically stable open position thereof at least the        first collar overlay 221A, 321A, 821A, 921A is separated from        the first collar underlay 221B, 321B, 821B, 921B by more than 3        cm such that the neck 130 of the wearer 110 is less covered.    -   24. The system of any of the above SYSTEM CLAUSES; wherein the        collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430, 630, 730 has one or more        circumferential size adjustment features allowing the collar        structure 130, 230, 330, 430, 630, 730 to conform to a neck 103        of the wearer but wherein the first collar structure 130, 230,        330, 430, 630, 730 is fastenerless such that the neck 130 of the        wearer 110 can be substantially more covered (i.e. by a        difference of more than 5%) by the first collar structure 130,        230, 330, 430, 630, 730 when the first collar structure 130,        230, 330, 430, 630, 730 is in a mechanically stable closed        position thereof with no mechanical couplers other than two or        more magnetic elements configured to maintain the mechanically        stable closed position but when the first collar structure 130,        230, 330, 430, 630, 730 is in a mechanically stable open        position thereof at least the first collar overlay 221A, 321A,        821A, 921A is separated from the first collar underlay 221B,        321B, 821B, 921B by more than 3 cm such that the neck 130 of the        wearer 110 is less-than-substantially covered.    -   25. The system of any of the above SYSTEM CLAUSES; wherein the        collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430, 630, 730 has one or more        circumferential size adjustment features allowing the collar        structure 130, 230, 330, 430, 630, 730 to conform to a neck 103        of the wearer but wherein the first collar structure 130, 230,        330, 430, 630, 730 is fastenerless such that the neck 130 of the        wearer 110 can be substantially covered (i.e. more than 70%) by        the first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430, 630, 730 when the        first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430, 630, 730 is in a        mechanically stable closed position thereof with no mechanical        couplers other than two or more magnetic elements configured to        maintain the mechanically stable closed position but when the        first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430, 630, 730 is in a        mechanically stable open position thereof at least the first        collar overlay 221A, 321A, 821A, 921A is separated from the        first collar underlay 221B, 321B, 821B, 921B by more than 3 cm        such that the neck 130 of the wearer 110 is        less-than-substantially covered (i.e. causing a transition in        which at least 10% of a surface area of skin of the neck 130        goes from being inaccessible to a worker 301 to being accessible        to the worker 301).    -   26. The system of any of the above SYSTEM CLAUSES; wherein the        first draping overlay element includes a waterproof coating.    -   27. The system of any of the above SYSTEM CLAUSES; wherein a        weight majority of the first draping structure 340, 940 consists        of a waterproof sheet 440.    -   28. The system of any of the above SYSTEM CLAUSES; wherein a        weight majority of the first draping overlay 251, 851, 951        consists of a flap 651, 751.    -   29. The system of any of the above SYSTEM CLAUSES; wherein some        of the first draping structure 340, 940 is wrapped around a        central portion 325, 425, 625 of the first collar structure 130,        230, 330, 430.    -   30. The system of any of the above SYSTEM CLAUSES; wherein a        central portion 325, 425, 625 of the first collar structure 130        is stitched along more than half of a lower edge 327, 427        thereof to the first draping structure 340, 940.    -   31. The system of any of the above SYSTEM CLAUSES; wherein first        and second penultimate portions 932A-B of the first collar        structure 130, 230, 330, 430, 630, 730 are supported by the        first draping structure 340, 940 only through a central portion        325, 425, 625 of the first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430.    -   32. The system of any of the above SYSTEM CLAUSES; wherein first        and second penultimate portions 932A-B of the first collar        structure 130, 230, 330, 430, 630, 730 are supported by the        first draping structure 340, 940 only through a central portion        325, 425, 625 of the first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430;        wherein a first end-most portion 932A of the first collar        structure 130, 230, 330, 430, 630, 730 is supported by the first        draping structure 340, 940 only through the first penultimate        portion 932A of the first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430;        and wherein a second end-most portion 932B of the first collar        structure 130, 230, 330, 430, 630, 730 is supported by the first        draping structure 340, 940 only through the second penultimate        portion 932B of the first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430.    -   33. The system of any of the above SYSTEM CLAUSES; wherein at        least a portion 332, 932 of the first collar structure 130, 230,        330, 430, 630, 730 is configured as one or more flexible        bistable spring bands each constructed and arranged to have a        stable first shape (e.g. curled as shown in FIG. 3) in which a        neck 103 of a wearer 110 is more exposed and a stable second        shape in which the neck 103 of a wearer 110 is less exposed as a        bend-guiding feature of the first collar structure 130, 230,        330, 430.    -   34. The system of any of the above SYSTEM CLAUSES; wherein one        or more portions 332, 932 of the first collar structure 130,        230, 330, 430, 630, 730 are each configured as a flexible        stainless steel bistable spring band.    -   35. The system of any of the above SYSTEM CLAUSES; wherein one        or more portions 332, 932 of the first collar structure 130,        230, 330, 430, 630, 730 are each configured as a flexible        stainless steel bistable spring band and wherein another portion        931-932 of the first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430, 630,        730 includes a permanent magnetic element 937 configured to        engage the flexible stainless steel bistable spring band when        the first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430, 630, 730 is in a        closed position adjacent a neck 103 of a wearer 110.    -   36. The system of any of the above SYSTEM CLAUSES; wherein a        first portion 332, 932 of the first collar structure 130, 230,        330, 430, 630, 730 is configured as a first flexible stainless        steel bistable spring band and wherein another portion 931-932        of the first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430, 630, 730        includes a first permanent magnetic element 937 configured to        engage the first flexible stainless steel bistable spring band        when the first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430, 630, 730 is        in a closed position adjacent a neck 103 of a wearer 110.    -   37. The system of any of the above SYSTEM CLAUSES; wherein a        first portion 332, 932 of the first collar structure 130, 230,        330, 430, 630, 730 is configured as a first flexible stainless        steel bistable spring band and wherein a second portion 931-932        of the first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430, 630, 730        includes a first permanent magnetic element 937 configured to        engage the first flexible stainless steel bistable spring band        when the first collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430, 630, 730 is        in a closed position adjacent a neck 103 of a wearer 110.    -   38. The system of any of the above SYSTEM CLAUSES; wherein one        or more portions 332, 932 of the first collar structure 130,        230, 330, 430, 630, 730 are each configured as a flexible        stainless steel bistable spring band and wherein an opposite        portion 931-932 of the first collar structure 130, 230, 330,        430, 630, 730 (i.e. at or near a farthest end of the first        collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430, 630, 730 from the flexible        stainless steel bistable spring band) includes a permanent        magnetic element 937 configured to engage the flexible stainless        steel bistable spring band when the first collar structure 130,        230, 330, 430, 630, 730 is in a closed position adjacent a neck        103 of a wearer 110.    -   39. The system of any of the above SYSTEM CLAUSES; wherein one        or more portions 332, 932 of the first collar structure 130,        230, 330, 430, 630, 730 are configured as one or more flexible        stainless steel bistable spring bands each constructed and        arranged to have a stable first shape (e.g. curled as shown in        FIG. 3) in which a neck 103 of a wearer 110 is more exposed and        a stable second shape in which the neck 103 of a wearer 110 is        less exposed as a bend-guiding feature of the first collar        structure 130, 230, 330, 430.    -   40. The system of any of the above SYSTEM CLAUSES; wherein one        or more portions 332, 932 of the first collar structure 130,        230, 330, 430, 630, 730 are configured as two or more flexible        stainless steel bistable spring bands each constructed and        arranged to have a stable first shape (e.g. curled as shown in        FIG. 3) in which a neck 103 of a wearer 110 is more exposed and        a stable second shape in which the neck 103 of a wearer 110 is        less exposed as a bend-guiding feature of the first collar        structure 130, 230, 330, 430.    -   41. The system of any of the above SYSTEM CLAUSES; wherein a        first and second portions 332, 932 of the first collar structure        130, 230, 330, 430, 630, 730 are configured respectively as        first and second flexible stainless steel bistable spring bands        and wherein third and fourth portions 931-932 of the first        collar structure 130, 230, 330, 430, 630, 730 respectively        include (at least) first and second permanent magnetic elements        937 each configured to engage a respectively nearer one of the        first and second portions 332, 932 in an open position revealing        a neck 103 of a wearer 110 and to engage a respectively farther        one of the first and second portions 332, 932 in a closed        position adjacent the neck 103 of the wearer 110 when        transitioning between the closed and open positions.    -   42. The system of any of the above SYSTEM CLAUSES; wherein an        end-most portion 931A (extending distally by up to 3 cm) of the        first collar overlay 921A includes one or more (flux-guiding,        weighting, or other) positioning elements 937A; wherein a        penultimate 5 cm or longer portion 932A of the first collar        overlay 921A directly supports the end-most portion 931A of the        first collar overlay 921A and includes one or more diagonal or        other (grooves, hinges, or other) bend-guiding features 228;        wherein an end-most portion 931B (extending distally by up to        3 cm) of the first collar underlay 921B likewise includes one or        more (flux-guiding, weighting, or other) positioning elements        937B; wherein a penultimate 5 cm or longer portion 932B of the        first collar underlay 921B directly supports the end-most        portion 931B of the first collar underlay 921B and includes one        or more diagonal or other bend-guiding features 228, 828; and        wherein (at least one of) the one or more diagonal bend-guiding        features 228, 828 of the penultimate portions 932A-B are        configured to allow a damage-free transition to a stable open        collar configuration during which the first draping structure        340, 940 remains closed (e.g. as depicted in FIGS. 8-9).    -   43. The system of any of the above SYSTEM CLAUSES; wherein an        end-most portion 931A of the first collar overlay 921A includes        one or more weighting elements 937A exceeding 5 grams; wherein a        penultimate 5 cm or longer portion 932A of the first collar        overlay 921A directly supports the end-most portion 931A of the        first collar overlay 921A and includes one or more diagonal        (grooves, hinges, or other) bend-guiding features 228; wherein        an end-most portion 931B of the first collar underlay 921B        likewise includes one or more weighting elements 937B exceeding        5 grams; wherein a penultimate 5 cm or longer portion 932B of        the first collar underlay 921B directly supports the end-most        portion 931B of the first collar underlay 921B and includes one        or more diagonal (grooves, hinges, or other) bend-guiding        features 228 (as shown); and wherein the diagonal bend-guiding        features 228 of the penultimate portions 932A-B are configured        to allow a damage-free transition to a stable open collar        configuration during which the first draping structure 340, 940        remains closed.    -   44. The system of any of the above SYSTEM CLAUSES; wherein an        end-most portion 931A shorter than 2 cm of the first collar        overlay 921A includes one or more weighting elements 937A        exceeding 10 grams; wherein a penultimate 5 cm or longer portion        932A of the first collar overlay 921A directly supports the        end-most portion 931A of the first collar overlay 921A and        includes one or more diagonal (grooves, hinges, or other)        bend-guiding features 228 (not shown); wherein an end-most        portion 931B shorter than 2 cm of the first collar underlay 921B        likewise includes one or more weighting elements 937B exceeding        10 grams; wherein a penultimate 5 cm or longer portion 932B of        the first collar underlay 921B directly supports the end-most        portion 931B of the first collar underlay 921B and includes one        or more diagonal (grooves, hinges, or other) bend-guiding        features 228 (as shown); wherein the penultimate portions 932A-B        are supported by the first draping structure 340, 940 only        through the central portion 325, 425, 625 of the first collar        structure 130, 230, 330, 430; and wherein the diagonal        bend-guiding features 228 of the penultimate portions 932A-B are        configured to allow a damage-free transition to a stable open        collar configuration during which the first draping structure        340, 940 remains closed.    -   45. The system of any of the above SYSTEM CLAUSES; wherein the        first collar overlay element 222A, 822A, 922A and the first        collar underlay 221B, 821B, 921B are configured to allow the        first collar overlay element of the first collar overlay to be        moved across the range 977 of reference positions 971-972 of the        first collar underlay so as to allow the first collar structure        to be adjusted manually between the most retracted collar        structure configuration (e.g. at a position 971 to accommodate a        smaller wearer, one whose neck 103 has a 13-14″ circumference)        and the most extended collar structure configuration (e.g. at a        position 972 to accommodate a larger wearer 110, one whose neck        103 has a 17-18″ circumference) by engaging the first collar        overlay element with the at least two respective reference        positions 971-972 of the first collar underlay 221B, 821B, 921B        that are more than 5 centimeters (cm) apart and wherein the        first draping overlay element (comprising the coating or other        covering or the contact position thereon, e.g.) and the first        draping underlay 252, 852, 952 (e.g. underlying portion 652,        752) configured to allow (a point 988 on) the first draping        overlay element of the first draping overlay 251, 851, 951 to be        moved adjacent the range 987 of (engagement or other) reference        positions 981-982 along the first draping underlay 252, 852, 952        so as to allow the first draping structure to be adjusted        manually between the most retracted draping structure        configuration (e.g. at position 981 to accommodate the small        wearer) and the most extended draping structure configuration        (e.g. at position 982 to accommodate the large wearer) by        engaging the first draping overlay element with at least two        respective (engagement or other) reference positions 981-982 of        the first draping underlay 252, 852, 952 that are more than 5 cm        apart.    -   46. The system of any of the above SYSTEM CLAUSES; wherein the        first collar overlay element 222A, 822A, 922A and the first        collar underlay 221B, 821B, 921B are configured to allow the        first collar overlay element of the first collar overlay to be        moved across the range 977 of reference positions 971-972 of the        first collar underlay so as to allow the first collar structure        to be adjusted manually between the most retracted collar        structure configuration (e.g. at a position 971 to accommodate a        smaller wearer, one whose neck 103 has a 13-14″ circumference)        and the most extended collar structure configuration (e.g. at a        position 972 to accommodate a larger wearer 110, one whose neck        103 has a 17-18″ circumference) by engaging the first collar        overlay element with the at least two respective reference        positions 971-972 of the first collar underlay 221B, 821B, 921B        that are more than 10 cm apart and wherein the first draping        overlay element (comprising the coating or other covering or the        contact position thereon, e.g.) and the first draping underlay        252, 852, 952 (e.g. underlying portion 652, 752) configured to        allow (a point 988 on) the first draping overlay element of the        first draping overlay 251, 851, 951 to be moved adjacent the        range 987 of (engagement or other) reference positions 981-982        along the first draping underlay 252, 852, 952 so as to allow        the first draping structure to be adjusted manually between the        most retracted draping structure configuration (e.g. at position        981 to accommodate the small wearer) and the most extended        draping structure configuration (e.g. at position 982 to        accommodate the large wearer) by engaging the first draping        overlay element with at least two respective (engagement or        other) reference positions 981-982 of the first draping underlay        252, 852, 952 that are more than 10 cm apart.    -   47. A method comprising steps of configuring a system of any of        the above SYSTEM CLAUSES as described herein.    -   48. A method comprising steps of using a system of any of the        above SYSTEM CLAUSES as described herein.

While various system, method, article of manufacture, or otherembodiments or aspects have been disclosed above, also, othercombinations of embodiments or aspects will be apparent to those skilledin the art in view of the above disclosure. The various embodiments andaspects disclosed above are for purposes of illustration and are notintended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicatedin the final claim set that follows.

What is claimed is:
 1. A wearable system configured to protect clothingof a wearer, comprising: a first collar structure that includes a firstcollar overlay having a first collar overlay element and a first collarunderlay configured to allow said first collar overlay element of saidfirst collar overlay to be moved adjacent a range of reference positionsalong said first collar underlay so as to allow said first collarstructure to be adjusted manually between a most retracted collarstructure configuration and a most extended collar structureconfiguration by engaging said first collar overlay element with atleast two respective reference positions of said first collar underlaythat are more than 3 centimeters (cm) apart; wherein said first collarstructure includes a central portion coupled to both said first collaroverlay and said first collar underlay; and a first draping structurethat includes a first draping overlay having a first draping overlayelement and a first draping underlay configured to allow said firstdraping overlay element of said first draping overlay to be movedadjacent a range of reference positions along said first drapingunderlay so as to allow said first draping structure to be adjustedmanually between a most retracted draping structure configuration and amost extended draping structure configuration by engaging said firstdraping overlay element with at least two respective reference positionsof said first draping underlay that are more than 3 cm apart; whereinsaid central portion coupled to both said first collar overlay and saidfirst collar underlay is also coupled to said first draping structure;wherein said first draping overlay element is configured to remainengaged with said first draping underlay during a damage-free transitionthat includes said first collar structure moving between a mechanicallystable closed position in which said first collar overlay element is incontact with said first collar underlay and a mechanically stable openposition in which said first collar overlay element comes into contactwith itself and thereby reveals a portion of a neck of the wearer bycreating a lateral gap wider than 3 cm between said first collar overlayelement and said first collar underlay; wherein said first collaroverlay includes an end-most portion shorter than 2 cm that includes oneor more magnetic-flux-guiding positioning elements; wherein said firstcollar overlay also includes a penultimate portion longer than 5 cm thatdirectly supports said end-most portion of said first collar overlay andthat includes one or more bend-guiding features configured to allow saidfirst collar structure to undergo said damage-free transition; whereinan entire length of said penultimate portion of said first collaroverlay is configured to include at least a portion of a first flexiblebistable spring band as one of said one or more bend-guiding features;and wherein said first flexible bistable spring band is configured tohave a mechanically stable curled retracted shape and a mechanicallystable elongate shape.
 2. The wearable system of claim 1, wherein saidfirst collar underlay likewise includes an end-most portion shorter than2 cm that includes one or more magnetic-flux-guiding positioningelements; wherein said first collar underlay likewise includes apenultimate portion longer than 5 cm that directly supports saidend-most portion of said first collar underlay and that includes one ormore bend-guiding features configured to allow said first collarstructure to undergo said damage-free transition; wherein an entirelength of said penultimate portion of said first collar underlay isconfigured to include at least a portion of a second flexible bistablespring band as one of said bend-guiding features; and wherein saidsecond flexible bistable spring band is configured to have amechanically stable curled shape in which the neck of the wearer is moreexposed and a mechanically stable elongate shape in which the neck ofthe wearer is less exposed.
 3. The wearable system of claim 1, wherein ametal strap contiguously spanning said central portion of said firstcollar structure includes a first stainless steel portion as said firstflexible bistable spring band and a second stainless steel portion as asecond flexible bistable spring band as a penultimate portion of saidfirst collar underlay; wherein said first collar underlay likewiseincludes an end-most portion shorter than 2 cm that includes one or moremagnetic-flux-guiding positioning elements; wherein said one or moremagnetic-flux-guiding positioning elements of said end-most portion ofsaid first collar underlay include a permanent magnet configured toengage said penultimate portion of said first collar overlaymagnetically and thereby to maintain said first collar structure in saidmechanically stable closed position; and wherein said one or moremagnetic-flux-guiding positioning elements of said end-most portion ofsaid first collar overlay likewise include a permanent magnet configuredto engage said penultimate portion of said first collar underlaymagnetically and thereby to reinforce said first collar structure insaid mechanically stable closed position.
 4. The wearable system ofclaim 1, wherein said first collar structure includes a first stainlesssteel portion as a component of said first flexible bistable spring bandand a second stainless steel portion as a component of a second flexiblebistable spring band in a penultimate portion of said first collarunderlay; wherein said first collar underlay also includes an end-mostportion shorter than 2 cm that includes one or moremagnetic-flux-guiding positioning elements; wherein said one or moremagnetic-flux-guiding positioning elements of said end-most portion ofsaid first collar underlay include a permanent magnet configured toengage said penultimate portion of said first collar overlaymagnetically and thereby to maintain said first collar structure in saidmechanically stable closed position; and wherein said one or moremagnetic-flux-guiding positioning elements of said end-most portion ofsaid first collar overlay likewise include a permanent magnet configuredto engage said penultimate portion of said first collar underlaymagnetically and thereby to reinforce said first collar structure insaid mechanically stable closed position.
 5. A wearable systemconfigured to protect clothing of a wearer, comprising: a first collarstructure that includes a first collar overlay having a first collaroverlay element and a first collar underlay configured to allow saidfirst collar overlay element of said first collar overlay to be movedadjacent a range of reference positions along said first collar underlayso as to allow said first collar structure to be adjusted manuallybetween a most retracted collar structure configuration and a mostextended collar structure configuration by contacting said first collaroverlay element with at least two respective reference positions of saidfirst collar underlay that are more than 3 centimeters (cm) apart;wherein said first collar structure includes a central portionsupporting both said first collar overlay and said first collarunderlay; and a first draping structure that includes a first drapingoverlay having a first draping overlay element and a first drapingunderlay configured to allow said first draping overlay element of saidfirst draping overlay to be moved adjacent a range of referencepositions along said first draping underlay so as to allow said firstdraping structure to be adjusted manually between a most retracteddraping structure configuration and a most extended draping structureconfiguration by contacting said first draping overlay element with atleast two respective reference positions of said first draping underlaythat are more than 3 centimeters apart; wherein said central portionsupporting both said first collar overlay and said first collar underlayis also coupled to said first draping structure; wherein said firstdraping overlay element is configured to remain engaged with said firstdraping underlay during a first transition that includes said firstcollar structure moving between a mechanically stable closed position inwhich said first collar overlay element is in contact with said firstcollar underlay and a mechanically stable open position in which saidfirst collar overlay element reveals a portion of a neck of the wearerby creating a lateral gap between said first collar overlay element andsaid first collar underlay.
 6. The wearable system of claim 5, whereinsaid first collar overlay includes an end-most portion shorter than 2 cmthat includes one or more magnetic-flux-guiding positioning elements;wherein said first collar overlay also includes a penultimate portionlonger than 3 cm that directly supports said end-most portion of saidfirst collar overlay and that includes one or more bend-guiding featuresconfigured to allow said first collar structure to undergo saiddamage-free transition; wherein an entire length of said penultimateportion of said first collar overlay is configured to include at least aportion of a first flexible bistable spring band as one of said one ormore bend-guiding features; and wherein said first flexible bistablespring band is configured to have a mechanically stable curled retractedshape, a mechanically stable elongate shape, and a range of mechanicallyunstable shapes therebetween.
 7. The wearable system of claim 5, whereinsaid first collar structure can be maintained in a mechanically stableclosed position using one or more magnetic-flux-guiding elementsconfigured to maintain said mechanically stable closed position andwherein at least a first element of said one or moremagnetic-flux-guiding elements magnetically couples with at least afirst element of said one or more flux-guiding elements to maintain saidmechanically stable closed position.
 8. The wearable system of claim 5,wherein said first collar structure can be maintained in a mechanicallystable closed position using one or more magnetic-flux-guiding elementsconfigured to maintain said mechanically stable closed position; whereinat least a first element of said one or more magnetic-flux-guidingelements is configured to couple magnetically with at least a firstelement of said one or more flux-guiding elements to maintain saidmechanically stable closed position; wherein at least a third element ofsaid one or more magnetic-flux-guiding elements is configured to couplemagnetically with at least a fourth element of said one or moreflux-guiding elements to maintain said mechanically stable closedposition; wherein said first and third elements are on respectiveopposite end-most portions of said first collar structure; and whereinsaid first and third elements are both magnets.
 9. The wearable systemof claim 5, wherein said first collar structure can be maintained in amechanically stable closed position using one or moremagnetic-flux-guiding elements permanently magnetized and polarized soas to maintain said mechanically stable closed position without anyfasteners; wherein at least a first element of said one or moremagnetic-flux-guiding elements is configured to couple magnetically withat least a first element of said one or more flux-guiding elementspermanently magnetized and polarized so as to maintain said mechanicallystable closed position without any fasteners; wherein at least a thirdelement of said one or more magnetic-flux-guiding elements is configuredto couple magnetically with at least a fourth element of said one ormore flux-guiding elements to maintain said mechanically stable closedposition; wherein said first and third elements are magnets onrespective opposite end-most portions of said first collar structure;and wherein said second and fourth elements are both magnets polarizedto maintain said mechanically stable closed position.
 10. The wearablesystem of claim 5, wherein said first collar structure can be maintainedin a mechanically stable closed position using one or moremagnetic-flux-guiding elements configured to maintain said mechanicallystable closed position; wherein at least a first element of said one ormore magnetic-flux-guiding elements magnetically couples with at least afirst element of said one or more flux-guiding elements to maintain saidmechanically stable closed position, and wherein said first elementdisengages from at least said first element and instead engages a secondelement when undergoing a manual transitioning from said mechanicallystable closed position to a mechanically stable open position.
 11. Thewearable system of claim 5, wherein said first draping overlay elementis configured to remain engaged with said first draping underlay duringa first transition that includes said collar structure moving between afirst engaged position in which said first collar overlay element is incontact with said first collar underlay and a first retracted positionin which said first collar overlay element reveals a portion of a neckof the wearer by creating a lateral gap wider than 3 cm between saidfirst collar overlay element and said first collar underlay; wherein anend-most portion of said first collar overlay includes one or moreweighting elements exceeding 5 grams and wherein an end-most portion ofsaid first collar underlay likewise includes one or more weightingelements exceeding 5 grams.
 12. The wearable system of claim 5, whereinan end-most portion of said first collar overlay includes one or morepositioning elements; wherein a penultimate 5 cm or longer portion ofsaid first collar overlay directly supports said end-most portion ofsaid first collar overlay and includes one or more diagonal bend-guidingfeatures wherein an end-most portion of said first collar underlaylikewise includes one or more positioning elements; wherein apenultimate 5 cm or longer portion of said first collar underlaydirectly supports said end-most portion of said first collar underlayand includes one or more diagonal or other bend-guiding features; andwherein said diagonal bend-guiding features of said penultimate portionsare configured to allow a damage-free transition to a stable open collarconfiguration during which said first draping structure remains closed.13. The wearable system of claim 5, wherein one or more weightedmagnetic elements of said first collar structure are configured tomaintain a mechanically stable open position by gravity and by magnetismand wherein said first collar structure is fastenerless.
 14. Thewearable system of claim 5, wherein said first collar structure isfastenerless such that a neck of the wearer is more covered by saidfirst collar structure when said first collar structure is in amechanically stable closed position thereof with no mechanical couplersother than one or more magnetic elements configured to maintain saidmechanically stable closed position but when said first collar structureis in a mechanically stable open position thereof at least said firstcollar overlay is separated from said first collar underlay such thatthe neck of the wearer is less covered; wherein one or more weightedmagnetic elements of said first collar structure maintain saidmechanically stable open position by magnetism.
 15. The wearable systemof claim 5, wherein said first collar structure is fastenerless suchthat a neck of the wearer can be substantially more covered by saidfirst collar structure when said first collar structure is in amechanically stable closed position thereof with no mechanical couplersother than two or more magnetic elements configured to maintain saidmechanically stable closed position but when said first collar structureis in a mechanically stable open position thereof at least said firstcollar overlay is separated from said first collar underlay by more than3 cm such that the neck of the wearer is less covered.
 16. The wearablesystem of claim 5, wherein first and second penultimate portions of saidfirst collar structure are supported by said first draping structureonly through a central portion of said first collar structure; wherein afirst end-most portion of said first collar structure is supported bysaid first draping structure only through said first penultimate portionof said first collar structure; and wherein a second end-most portion ofsaid first collar structure is supported by said first draping structureonly through said second penultimate portion of said first collarstructure.
 17. The wearable system of claim 5, wherein one or moreportions of said first collar structure are each configured as aflexible stainless steel bistable spring band and wherein an oppositeportion of said first collar structure includes a permanent magneticelement configured to engage said flexible stainless steel bistablespring band when said first collar structure is in a closed positionadjacent a neck of the wearer.
 18. The wearable system of claim 5,wherein an end-most portion shorter than 2 cm of said first collaroverlay includes one or more weighting elements exceeding 10 grams;wherein a penultimate 5 cm or longer portion of said first collaroverlay directly supports said end-most portion of said first collaroverlay and includes one or more diagonal bend-guiding features; whereinan end-most portion shorter than 2 cm of said first collar underlaylikewise includes one or more weighting elements exceeding 10 grams;wherein a penultimate 5 cm or longer portion of said first collarunderlay directly supports said end-most portion of said first collarunderlay and includes one or more diagonal bend-guiding features;wherein said penultimate portions are supported by said first drapingstructure only through said central portion of said first collarstructure; and wherein said diagonal bend-guiding features of saidpenultimate portions are configured to allow a damage-free transition toa stable open collar configuration during which said first drapingstructure remains closed in system.
 19. A method of configuring awearable system, comprising: configuring a first collar structure thatincludes a first collar overlay having a first collar overlay elementand a first collar underlay so as to allow said first collar overlayelement of said first collar overlay to be moved adjacent a range ofreference positions along said first collar underlay so as to allow saidfirst collar structure to be adjusted manually between a most retractedcollar structure configuration and a most extended collar structureconfiguration by contacting said first collar overlay element with atleast two respective reference positions of said first collar underlaythat are more than 3 centimeters (cm) apart; wherein said first collarstructure includes a central portion supporting both said first collaroverlay and said first collar underlay; and configuring a first drapingstructure that includes a first draping overlay having a first drapingoverlay element and a first draping underlay so as to allow said firstdraping overlay element of said first draping overlay to be movedadjacent a range of reference positions along said first drapingunderlay and so as to allow said first draping structure to be adjustedmanually between a most retracted draping structure configuration and amost extended draping structure configuration by contacting said firstdraping overlay element with at least two respective reference positionsof said first draping underlay that are more than 3 cm apart; whereinsaid central portion supporting both said first collar overlay and saidfirst collar underlay is also coupled to said first draping structure;and wherein said first draping overlay element is configured to remainengaged with said first draping underlay during a first transition thatincludes said first collar structure moving between a mechanicallystable closed position in which said first collar overlay element is incontact with said first collar underlay and a mechanically stable openposition in which said first collar overlay element reveals a portion ofa neck of the wearer by creating a lateral gap between said first collaroverlay element and said first collar underlay.